Ganzhou history

The history of the city of Ganzhou, located in the south of Jiangxi province in China, dates back to the Han Dynasty. The first administrative entity in this location, Gannan County, was established in 201 AD. The city received its current name much later, during the Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD), reflecting its growing importance in the region.

A key factor in the rise of Ganzhou was its unique geographic location. The city was founded at the confluence of the Zhang and Gong rivers, which merge to form the Gan River—a vital waterway flowing into the Yangtze. This transformed Ganzhou into a strategically important river port and a trade hub connecting the central plains with the southeast coast. The city experienced its heyday during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), when it even temporarily served as a refuge for the imperial court, significantly strengthening its political and economic status.

Since ancient times, Ganzhou has been not only a commercial but also a cultural centre. The Song era became a "Golden Age" for the city: it was ranked among the 36 largest cities in the country, famous for shipbuilding, ceramics production, and printing. Additionally, Ganzhou is considered one of the cradles of Hakka culture—a distinct ethnic group of Chinese people. This cultural characteristic is still evident today in the traditions, dialect, and architecture of the region, making its history particularly multifaceted.

Key Milestones in the History of Ganzhou

The history of Ganzhou spans over two millennia, during which it played a vital role in the life of southern China. From an imperial outpost to the "Red Capital"—here are the main stages of its development.

• 282 AD — During the Jin Dynasty, Nankang Commandery is separated from a larger district, becoming the administrative predecessor of Ganzhou.
• 349 AD — The administration of Nankang Commandery moves to the territory of modern-day Ganxian County, which is considered the starting point in the city's history.
• 589 AD — In the Sui Dynasty era, the commandery is transformed into Qianzhou Prefecture (虔州), and this name remains for several centuries.
• 960–1279 — The Song Dynasty period becomes a "Golden Age" for the city, which turns into a prosperous trading centre and a powerful fortress.
• 1153 — During the Southern Song Dynasty, Qianzhou Prefecture officially receives its modern name—Ganzhou (赣州).
• 1279–1368 — Under the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, the city is established as a regional-level administrative centre known as Ganzhou Lu.
• 1368–1912 — Throughout the reign of the Ming and Qing dynasties, Ganzhou functions as an important prefecture centre controlling vast lands.
• 1929 — The Ganzhou region becomes one of the key bases of the Communist Party of China during the Civil War.
• 1931 — The Chinese Soviet Republic is proclaimed in Ruijin (within the modern Ganzhou prefecture), with the region becoming its unofficial capital.
• 1934 — From Yudu County, part of Ganzhou, the Red Army of China departs on the legendary Long March.
• 1999 — An administrative reform takes place, resulting in the formation of the modern prefecture-level city of Ganzhou with Zhanggong District at its centre.

The development of Ganzhou is a centuries-old story marked by a series of key transformations that shaped its unique appearance and economic significance in China.

Major Milestones in the City's History:

• The "Golden Age" during the Song Dynasty (960–1279). In this period, Ganzhou became one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the country. Thanks to its strategic position on the Gan River, it became a crucial trade and transport hub linking the south and north of China. It was then that the famous city walls, which survive to this day, and the unique "Fu-Shou" drainage system were constructed.
• Formation of the Hakka Culture Centre. Ganzhou and its surroundings became one of the cradles for the Hakka sub-ethnic group. Migrants from the north brought their traditions, language, and advanced agricultural technologies for the time, which largely defined the cultural identity of the region.
• China's "Red Cradle". In the 1920s and 1930s, the city played an important role in events related to the Chinese Revolution, becoming one of the central bases and the temporary capital of the Chinese Soviet Republic. This period left a deep imprint on the history of Ganzhou and all of China.
• "Tungsten Capital of the World". In the 20th century, incredibly rich tungsten deposits were discovered in the vicinity of Ganzhou. This turned the city into a global centre for the mining and processing of this metal, giving a powerful boost to its industrial development and defining its economic specialization for a long time.
• Preservation of Historical Heritage. Despite rapid development, Ganzhou has managed to preserve unique architectural monuments. The Song Dynasty city wall, ancient pagodas, and bridges are not only tourist attractions but also an important part of the urban structure.
• Modern Economic Diversification. In recent decades, the city's economy has been actively transforming. Along with traditional mining (including rare earth metals), industries such as textiles, electronics manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism based on rich cultural and historical heritage are developing.

The architectural appearance of Ganzhou represents a unique combination of ancient urban planning heritage and modern trends, which distinguishes it favourably from many other cities in China. The historic city centre, often called the "Song Dynasty City", has preserved not only individual monuments but also a holistic structure formed centuries ago.

Urban Heritage of the Song Dynasty (960–1279)

Ganzhou's "Golden Age" left the deepest mark on its architecture. It was during this period that the foundations defining the look of the old city today were laid. Key elements include:

• The City Wall: Built of brick and stone, it is one of the best-preserved Song Dynasty city walls in all of China. Stretching for several kilometres along the rivers, it served not only for defence but also for flood protection.
• "Fu-Shou" Drainage System (Fu-Shou Gou): This masterpiece of engineering, created nearly a thousand years ago, is a complex underground network of channels that still functions and protects the old city from flooding. The system uses natural terrain to drain rainwater into the river, while special sluice gates prevent backflow during high water levels.
• Ancient Floating Bridge (Dongjin Bridge): Also built during the Song Dynasty, this pontoon bridge, about 400 metres long, consists of over 100 wooden boats connected together. It is still used by locals and stands as a living monument to the engineering ingenuity of a time when building a permanent bridge across the wide river was impossible.

Ming and Qing Dynasty Architecture and Hakka Culture

During the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) eras, the city's architectural ensemble was enriched with new structures. Temples, pagodas, and residential houses were built and restored featuring wood and stone carving characteristic of that time. A striking example is the Ciyun Pagoda, towering in the old part of the city.

A special place in the region's architecture is occupied by the heritage of Hakka culture. Although the famous round "Tulou" fortress houses are more typical of neighbouring provinces, their rectangular counterparts—"Wei Wu"—are common in the surroundings of Ganzhou. These massive fortified dwellings, built of rammed earth, stone, and brick, served to protect entire clans and are a vivid symbol of the Hakka people's identity.

Modern Development

Modern Ganzhou is developing actively but strives to maintain a balance between new construction and the preservation of its rich heritage. New districts are growing outside the historic walls, while careful restoration is being carried out in the old city, allowing travellers to experience the atmosphere of the ancient "Song City" even today.

Prominent Figures in the History of Ganzhou

Throughout its rich history, Ganzhou has been home or a place of activity for many iconic figures who left a noticeable mark on the culture and political life of China. From poets and philosophers to revolutionaries and artists—here are some of the key persons whose names are inextricably linked with this city.

• Xin Qiji (1140–1207) — An outstanding poet and military commander of the Southern Song era. During his tenure as the Prefect of Qianzhou (the old name for Ganzhou), he not only handled administrative affairs but also created many famous works celebrating patriotism and the beauty of the land. His activities coincided with the city's "Golden Age".
• Wang Yangming (1472–1529) — One of the greatest Neo-Confucian philosophers of the Ming Dynasty, as well as a statesman and general. While serving as governor of southern Jiangxi, he spent a long time in Ganzhou, where he suppressed local rebellions and founded schools, spreading his teaching of the "unity of knowledge and action". His stay had a tremendous influence on the intellectual life of the region.
• Mao Zetan (1905–1935) — The younger brother of Mao Zedong and an active member of the Communist Party of China. He played an important role in the creation and administration of the Chinese Soviet Republic with its capital in Ruijin (today part of Ganzhou prefecture). Mao Zetan died in this region, becoming one of the iconic figures of Ganzhou's revolutionary past.
• Gao Xingjian (born 1940) — A writer, playwright, artist, and Nobel Prize laureate in Literature in 2000. He was born in Ganzhou, and although he spent most of his life outside his hometown, his origins in this historic region are often noted as part of his biography. Gao Xingjian is one of the most globally famous natives of the city.
• Zhong Chuxi (born 1993) — A popular contemporary Chinese actress, also known as Elaine Zhong. Born in Ganzhou, she achieved widespread fame thanks to roles in box-office films such as "Youth" (Fang Hua) and "Wild Grass". She represents a new generation of talent emerging from this city.